Improvement in lap-links



M. HOWARD. Lap-Link.

No. 205,091. Patented June 18, 18 78.

Attorneys N. PETERS, PHOTO-LITHOGRIPNER WASHINGTON. D. C,

UNITED STATES PATENT OE'EIoE. I

MATTHEW HOWARD, OF PARIS, KENTUCKY.

IMPROVEMENT IN LAP-LINKS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 205,091, dated June 18,1878; application filed May 15, 1878.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, MATTHEW HOWARD, of Paris, in the county of Bourbon,and in the State of Kentucky, have invented certain new and usefulImprovements in Lap-Links; and do hereby declare that the following is afull, clear, and exact description thereof, reference being had to theaccompanying drawings, and to the letters of reference marked thereon,making a part of this specification.

The nature of my invention consists in the peculiar construction of anopen link, with spring secured thereto for closing the opening in thelink, the peculiarities of which will be hereinafter described.

To enable those skilled in the art to make and use my invention, I willproceed to de scribe its construction and operation.

In the accompanying drawings, making part of this specification, Figure1 is a section, and Fig. 2 an edge View, showing the spring.

In the figures, A represents the link of a chain, which has an openingcut in one side sufficient to receive anotherlink, or the article towhich it is to be connected. This opening is covered by a spring, B. Oneend of the spring is let just its depth into one end of the link, and isthere securely riveted. The other end of the spring lies under the otherend ofthe link, the link being slightly notched,

and the spring being sufficiently tapered, so that when it pressesagainst the link it will be flush, and a smooth surface will be formedon the inside of the link, and this at both ends of the spring.

The end of the link projecting over the loose end of the link is sobeveled from the end of the spring, as seen at an, outwardly andupwardly, that a space is left between them for the purpose of morereadily entering the ring to which it is to be connected. This link maybe used for the purpose of connecting broken chains, or for a snap-hookor other similar purposes.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new, anddesire to secure by Letters Patent, is

The open link A, having its end beveled at w, in combination with aspring, a, one end of which is riveted in a recess in the inner side ofthe ring, and both ends of which are flush with the inner surface of thelink, as and for the purpose set forth.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing I have hereunto set my hand this11th day of

